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The Millionaire Bachelor
From New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery comes her celebrated story about the healing power of love…
After spinning a tall tale about her life, answering service operator Cathy Eldridge can understand why millionaire recluse Stone Ward enjoys their nightly phone calls. She, too, treasures the moments when he bares his soul to her. They'’ve built an intimate friendship, though they'’ve never met in person. But then a twist of fate brings her face-to-face with her fantasy man…and into his home. Stone is many things, but mostly he'’s out of reach—rich, good-looking and mysteriously sexy. What on earth would he ever see in her? Cathy is determined to transform herself into the woman she pretended to be all along, but she isn’'t the only one with a past to overcome….
After spinning a tall tale about her life, answering service operator Cathy Eldridge can understand why millionaire recluse Stone Ward enjoys their nightly phone calls. She, too, treasures the moments when he bares his soul to her. They'’ve built an intimate friendship, though they'’ve never met in person. But then a twist of fate brings her face-to-face with her fantasy man…and into his home. Stone is many things, but mostly he'’s out of reach—rich, good-looking and mysteriously sexy. What on earth would he ever see in her? Cathy is determined to transform herself into the woman she pretended to be all along, but she isn’'t the only one with a past to overcome….
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1998
238 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
863 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 19, 2012
The Hero: Reclusive millionaire who doesn't venture out of his house due to the scars he received in the car crash that killed his wife & refuses to get them repaired due to guilt. He has been talking to the heroine on the answering service for two years & when she is injured, takes her to his home to help since she reminds him of his late wife, comes from a less than stellar family, doesn't have much confidence and he wants to make up for his sins, so makes her his project.
His guilt is because his wife was his best friend & as a joke to rebel against his family he suggested they get married & then realized it was a mistake but his wife loved him, the marriage turned out to be a disaster since he couldn't make himself love her & desire her, so at a party drunk when a woman came on to him, he kissed her(having no intention to sleep with her), his wife caught him and she died the same night. So, now he keeps punishing himself since she was such a good person and he failed her.
The Heroine: Has body and esteem issues, grew up with an alcoholic mother so never really got close to others and after she died she never took chances. She loves talking to the hero & pretends to be more exciting, when he finds her she is embarrassed but they are friends and she lets him help her, soon she loses weight, takes a job with him and thinks that he loved his wife too much. She makes the move for a physical relationship knowing it won't be more, but when she finds out that she is only a way for him to feel better about himself, freaks, finds out she is pregnant and walks out.
The hero soon figures himself out.
Verdict: I didn't really mind the book that much or even like it. I just felt something was missing in the book, mainly because I don't like a third character overshadowing everything. For most of the book he felt so guilty and then when she goes away he finally manges to deal with things he hadn't for three years.
His guilt is because his wife was his best friend & as a joke to rebel against his family he suggested they get married & then realized it was a mistake but his wife loved him, the marriage turned out to be a disaster since he couldn't make himself love her & desire her, so at a party drunk when a woman came on to him, he kissed her(having no intention to sleep with her), his wife caught him and she died the same night. So, now he keeps punishing himself since she was such a good person and he failed her.
The Heroine: Has body and esteem issues, grew up with an alcoholic mother so never really got close to others and after she died she never took chances. She loves talking to the hero & pretends to be more exciting, when he finds her she is embarrassed but they are friends and she lets him help her, soon she loses weight, takes a job with him and thinks that he loved his wife too much. She makes the move for a physical relationship knowing it won't be more, but when she finds out that she is only a way for him to feel better about himself, freaks, finds out she is pregnant and walks out.
The hero soon figures himself out.
Verdict: I didn't really mind the book that much or even like it. I just felt something was missing in the book, mainly because I don't like a third character overshadowing everything. For most of the book he felt so guilty and then when she goes away he finally manges to deal with things he hadn't for three years.
June 15, 2025
it’s giving beauty and the beast but in the worst way
June 28, 2025
Just a little niggle but shouldn't this book have been called The Millionaire Widower ? Anyhoo, really enjoyed it.
July 7, 2025
This one is set in the 90s (was actually written back then I believe) so some of the stuff mentioned is kind of dated, but it’s still a good listen (I listened on audiobook). It gives Beauty and the Beast vibes— he’s scarred from an accident, and has been a recluse in his house ever since; even thinks of himself as a monster since his wife died in the accident after a tragic incident at a party.
She is a phone operator and they had talked nearly everyday for 2 years— she fibbed a lot about herself, but mainly for entertainment purposes. She wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. The truth comes to light when her office catches on fire, and she’s rushed to the hospital. He comes to see her and discovers her as she really is— but he doesn’t mind— he valued her friendship more than her looks. Plus he hasn’t exactly been truthful either.
He houses her in her recovery, and she has always had a crush on him through their phone calls. He cares for her but he doesn’t love her— he can’t love her due to the guilt he feels because of his late wife. Things come to a head though when she realizes he will never love her, or himself, and decides to leave. He is forced to do some inner reflecting.
I felt the ending was a little rushed compared to the speed of the rest of the book, but I enjoyed it overall.
Thank you Harlequin Audio for the listen!
She is a phone operator and they had talked nearly everyday for 2 years— she fibbed a lot about herself, but mainly for entertainment purposes. She wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. The truth comes to light when her office catches on fire, and she’s rushed to the hospital. He comes to see her and discovers her as she really is— but he doesn’t mind— he valued her friendship more than her looks. Plus he hasn’t exactly been truthful either.
He houses her in her recovery, and she has always had a crush on him through their phone calls. He cares for her but he doesn’t love her— he can’t love her due to the guilt he feels because of his late wife. Things come to a head though when she realizes he will never love her, or himself, and decides to leave. He is forced to do some inner reflecting.
I felt the ending was a little rushed compared to the speed of the rest of the book, but I enjoyed it overall.
Thank you Harlequin Audio for the listen!
July 12, 2025
Cuando mi hermana compró el libro, creí que sería una novela cliché que una señora fácilmente podría leer en el metro. Por eso la llamé: novela barata de Metro, aunque no con mala intención.
Me dio curiosidad, quería saber que tan cliché llegaba a ser, y si en verdad valía la pena. Para mi sorpresa, me gustó, tanto así que terminé de leerla en tres días.
Sí, la historia llega a ser algo “exagerada”. Eso de que tu amigo por teléfono te diga que te vayas a vivir con él después tu accidente sin siquiera conocerlo, bueno 😬. Y aunque esa parte estuvo “justificada”, sí estuvo un poco de más.
A pesar de eso, disfrute leyendo la historia, me habría gustado un poco más en el desarrollo de los personajes, los sentí algo lejanos y planos, solo mostrándome lo que creía necesario, no haciéndelos humanos y reales. Tanto que no pude conectar con ellos.
El final sin duda no fue el mejor, habían peleando y se reencontraron 5 meses después, en donde, de un momento a otro ella le perdona todo. 0/5 ahí.
Me dio curiosidad, quería saber que tan cliché llegaba a ser, y si en verdad valía la pena. Para mi sorpresa, me gustó, tanto así que terminé de leerla en tres días.
Sí, la historia llega a ser algo “exagerada”. Eso de que tu amigo por teléfono te diga que te vayas a vivir con él después tu accidente sin siquiera conocerlo, bueno 😬. Y aunque esa parte estuvo “justificada”, sí estuvo un poco de más.
A pesar de eso, disfrute leyendo la historia, me habría gustado un poco más en el desarrollo de los personajes, los sentí algo lejanos y planos, solo mostrándome lo que creía necesario, no haciéndelos humanos y reales. Tanto que no pude conectar con ellos.
El final sin duda no fue el mejor, habían peleando y se reencontraron 5 meses después, en donde, de un momento a otro ella le perdona todo. 0/5 ahí.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
Stone lost his wife over three years ago. This left him with a scarred face. He very seldom leaves his home. So he is a bit lonely. He has actually started calling his answering service to talk to one lady, Cathy. When Cathy is caught up in a fire, this pulls Sloan out of his home to help Cathy. He brings her to live with him and this starts a friendship which just might lead to love.
This started pretty well. But then it sort of fell apart. I really got a bit bored with Cathy’s insecurities. And this story is all about looks…how he looks, how she looks. This drove me a bit insane. Plus, there are quite a few places that Stone is very condescending to Cathy.
So, needless to say, I was not a big fan of this book. I did finish it and I applaud Cathy with overcoming and becoming stronger and self confident.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This started pretty well. But then it sort of fell apart. I really got a bit bored with Cathy’s insecurities. And this story is all about looks…how he looks, how she looks. This drove me a bit insane. Plus, there are quite a few places that Stone is very condescending to Cathy.
So, needless to say, I was not a big fan of this book. I did finish it and I applaud Cathy with overcoming and becoming stronger and self confident.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
June 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Cathy and Stone in this story. Cathy had a hard past and had allowed herself to give up on her dreams and fall into a rut, just barely getting by. Stone had all the trappings of a perfect, wealthy lifestyle but was consumed with guilt over his deceased wife and no longer believed in love. But their instant attraction and friendship helped to heal them both. It was especially fun to jump back into the 90s, when this was originally written, to see them learning how they could use the computer and the internet. There were no cell phones to keep tabs on each other. And Stone used conference calls instead of web meetings.
February 15, 2025
Me ha parecido una historia conmovedora en el cual empatice con los protagonistas Cathy, una chica solitaria con poco amor propio y con una vida difícil, conoce a Stone, un hombre atormentado por su pasado, y que se van enamorando poco a poco.
Es una historia fácil de leer, plana sin muchos nudos pero está bien para una tarde.
Es una historia fácil de leer, plana sin muchos nudos pero está bien para una tarde.
August 13, 2025
Book was recommended to me on Libby. The cover was different. The story definitely matches the cover on goodreads. Here’s the deal- it’s a Beauty and the Beast style of book… was it cute? Sure. Was it predictable in all the worst way? Yes. It may be someone’s type. But I wouldn’t rush to the shelves.
July 23, 2025
That time an updated cover tricked me into reading a re-release of a 1990s romance... 😬
The only good part of this book was the realization of how far female characters have come in 30 years.
#notfor2025 #notempowered #dietculturefordays #gross
The only good part of this book was the realization of how far female characters have come in 30 years.
#notfor2025 #notempowered #dietculturefordays #gross
November 25, 2021
very boring and mediocre. you can crank out these types of books in a few days it feels like. and when was this book set that cathy describes the internet like that
November 21, 2024
Great book. It reminded me a bit of Beauty and the Beast, it had that tone. Loved it
June 11, 2025
This was an enjoyable audiobook to listen to. Very much the Beauty and the Beast vibe. The characters were interesting and the story moved along quickly. I liked the narrator. It would be an awesome book to listen to while at the beach!!
June 11, 2025
Another amazing book, about love and loss by Susan Mallery. Absolutely loved the whole story. Loved the FMC and the MMC that had his own battles to go through. Such a good listen.
October 17, 2025
This story was not written for my generation
October 24, 2025
44% DNF-soooo boring. Beauty and the beast trope.
November 17, 2025
Nancy
What a nice story about the real meaning of life and love. Life has lots of ups and downs but this Cinderella story was just a fun read about growing up and love! Thanks
What a nice story about the real meaning of life and love. Life has lots of ups and downs but this Cinderella story was just a fun read about growing up and love! Thanks
February 13, 2017
Leído el 04/05/2010
RESUMEN: Su voz es lo que él escucha en el teléfono cuando él chequea sus mensajes. Él es un sexy hombre solitario feliz de escuchar cuando ella le daba lata sobre su vida aventurera. Ellos eran amigos, pero nunca se habían conocido… hasta que un fuego los puso cara a cara. Ahora ellos deben hacer frente a su mutua atracción sin el santuario del anonimato.
RESUMEN: Su voz es lo que él escucha en el teléfono cuando él chequea sus mensajes. Él es un sexy hombre solitario feliz de escuchar cuando ella le daba lata sobre su vida aventurera. Ellos eran amigos, pero nunca se habían conocido… hasta que un fuego los puso cara a cara. Ahora ellos deben hacer frente a su mutua atracción sin el santuario del anonimato.
October 14, 2015
A modern beauty and the beast. Three years ago Stone's wife dies in a car accident and he has never forgiven himself since they were arguing in the car before she died. Along come Cathy whom he met in a very weird circumstance. After she is met with an accident he invites her to his home till she fully cover. As time goes by he falls for her but yet not realizing it because of him holding on to his grief and holding on to the scar he has on his face that reminds him of that fatal night. A quick read as said modern day beauty and the beast storyline.
June 23, 2020
Sort of a cross between Cinderella and Pygmalion, it is a fun read. I liked that Cathy took a sensible and healthy approach to losing weight and succeeded. Every time she thought the word "chocolate", I groaned in sympathy.
January 27, 2015
Good book
I enjoyed the story but felt bad for Cathy. I knew he cared for her but he really made them suffer till the end. It wasn't as happy as I thought it would be but their friendship was endearing.
I enjoyed the story but felt bad for Cathy. I knew he cared for her but he really made them suffer till the end. It wasn't as happy as I thought it would be but their friendship was endearing.
April 27, 2015
Best book of series
Wonderful story...the best Susan Mallery book I have read!!! Strong heroine, beautiful story of love and healing. It hooks you from the first chapter and leaves you dreading that final page. I wanted it to go on and on. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Wonderful story...the best Susan Mallery book I have read!!! Strong heroine, beautiful story of love and healing. It hooks you from the first chapter and leaves you dreading that final page. I wanted it to go on and on. Can't recommend it highly enough.
September 29, 2015
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
3.5 stars. :*
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
3.5 stars. :*
April 3, 2015
Had a little trouble with a person hanging onto guilt and yet desiring Cathy. Enjoyed parts of the story line so kept moving forward. It did seem a bit drug out.
July 25, 2015
Couldn't quite finish this one. Not horrible but I kept getting annoyed with his brooding.
September 25, 2015
Fun Read.
This was a good read for mature reader. Not too races, but still held my interest. I'd recommend this as a easy read.
This was a good read for mature reader. Not too races, but still held my interest. I'd recommend this as a easy read.
January 18, 2016
Not the best or worst I have read. The scenario seemed so unlikely. Ending was rushed- I think there was still something missing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews